Yoga for arthritis

 The word "arthritis" means joint inflammation.  Joints are places where two bones meet. Example:  Knee, Elbow, Shoulder etc. Arthritis is inflammation  and tenderness of the joints that may affect one joint or multiple joints. The symptoms of arthritis usually develop over time and  typically worsen with age. 

Types Of Arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis-  The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, involves damage to the cartilage that cushions our joints. This smooth surface allows bones to move almost without friction. When this cartilage wears away, it can result in painful bone-on-bone contact and limited joint movement. This deterioration can be caused by aging, inherited traits, being overweight, past joint injuries or repetitive strain, bone abnormalities, specific medical conditions etc.  Your risk of developing osteoarthritis also be higher if you have a family history of the disease.

• Rheumatoid arthritis -  Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's  immune system ( body's defence system against diseases) attacks the inner layer of the joint capsule, called the synovial membrane. This triggers inflammation and swelling of the membrane. The inflammation spreads to the nearby tissues and can eventually lead to the breakdown or damage of cartilage and bone within the affected joint.  In more severe cases, Rheumatoid arthritis may affect other areas of the body.

• Psoriatic arthritis-  People who develop psoriatic arthritis may already have psoriasis (red and white patches on  skin).  Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic and worsening inflammatory disorder of the joints and the connection points of tendons and ligaments to bones (entheses). This happens when the body's immune system, for unclear reasons, becomes hyperactive, generating inflammation that results in pain and swelling.

• Ankylosing spondylitis-  Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine.  It may also affect knees, ankles, hips etc. In case of ankylosing spondylitis, the inflammation in the joints and tissues of the spine can cause stiffness. In severe cases, this may cause the vertebrae (bones in the spine) to fuse. When the vertebrae fuse, it can lead to a rigid and stiff/inflexible spine and one finds it difficult to move.  

• Gout-  Gout develops due to persistent build-up of high level of uric acid in the body. This excess uric acid can crystallize into needle-like structures within and around the joints, triggering inflammation and causing gouty arthritis. 

Cause of Arthritis:

According to researchers genetics (heredity) and lifestyle in contributes a lot for the development of arthritis.

Few possible reasons are:

• Wear and tear of joints
• Age-  Over time, your joints tend to get worn down and risk of developing arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, goes up with age. 
• Genes or family history- Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis depends of family history.
• Injuries - Injury may cause damage to joints which may lead to arthritis. 
• Obesity -  Being overweight or obese strains the joints that support your body, making them more prone to wear and tear and increasing your chances of developing arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.
• Autoimmune disorders - When the body's  immune system ( body's defence system against diseases) attacks the inner layer of the joint capsule, called the synovial membrane. This triggers inflammation and swelling of the membrane.
• Muscle weakness -  Muscle weakness is commonly reported by patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Infections- May trigger inflammation.

Symptoms:

• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Joint deformity